Seeing the AirPods Pro indicator on your iPhone or iPad glitch out? You wouldn’t be the only one — this appears to be an actual issue with the new headphones.
While the bug won’t end up breaking your new AirPods Pro, it can certainly be annoying. Here’s how to actually go about fixing it.
Basically, the bug causes an animation glitch in the AirPods Pro user interface on your iPhone or iPad.
It essentially causes one of the AirPods Pro indicators to become very glitchy and appear like it’s dancing around.
You’ll also see a red exclamation point next to the particular AirPod instead of the left or right indicator letter.
That isn’t necessarily a major issue, but it can keep you from knowing what your charge level is. It’s also fairly annoying and may keep your AirPods Pro from charging normally.
Just know that it probably isn’t the physical connection. All impacted users that we’ve seen were very clear that their AirPods Pro case was free of debris or dust.
From the looks of it, this does paper to be a fairly widespread issue. Because the impacted AirPods seem to function normally otherwise, it’s likely be tied to firmware or software — so it’s probably not a hardware problem.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t a necessarily new issue. Based on reports from users, both first- and second-generation AirPods had the same problem before a firmware update actually fixed it.
Troubleshooting the problem
Here’s how to go about actually fixing the issue if it’s impacted your AirPods Pro.
First thing’s first: we recommend taking out the buggy AirPro Pro out of its case, waiting a few seconds and placing it back in. If the problem doesn’t persist, then you’re done.
If it keeps glitching out, then follow these steps to try and fix the issue.
Check for dust and debris
Earlier, we mentioned that many users running into this issue made sure that wasn’t any debris in their AirPods Pro case. But your own mileage may vary.
It’s worth checking the connection points inside your charging case to make sure there isn’t any dirt or other debris.
Restart your iPhone
As always, it’s recommended that you start any troubleshooting attempt by Force Restarting your iPhone or iPad.
You’ll also want to make sure that your device’s software is up-to-date. iOS 13 has been a fairly buggy release, so a software fix may solve the problem.
Reset your AirPods Pro
Resetting your AirPods Pro is as easy as holding down the appropriate button for at least 15 seconds.
It may be worth resetting your AirPods Pro using the physical button on the charging case. Here’s how.
Put your AirPods Pro back in their case.
Find the Reset button on the rear of the case itself. It’s fairly flush, so you may need to feel around for it.
Press and hold this button for at least 15 seconds.
From there, you’ll need to re-pair your AirPods Pro with the device that you’re using it with.
Alternatively, you can also try heading to the Bluetooth menu and forgetting your AirPods Pro from there.
It’s also worth heading to the Bluetooth menu and forgetting your AirPods Pro this way.
Reset your network settings
Because AirPods Pro connect to your devices via Bluetooth, it may be worth resetting your iPhone’s or iPad’s network connectivity settings.
Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap on General.
Scroll down until you see Reset.
Tap on Reset All Network Settings.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to actually re-pair your AirPods Pro with your device after resetting.
Update your AirPods firmware
It appears that a firmware fix is the most surefire way to fix the problem. On the other hand, we don’t know if a current firmware update actually contains a bug fix. If it doesn’t, then a future firmware update probably will.
To update your AirPods Pro firmware, all you need to do is place both AirPods back in their case. Then, bring the case near your iPhone (with an internet connection).
You can also check what firmware you’re running by going to Settings —> General —> About —> Your AirPods Pro. For context, the current firmware version is 2B584.
Take your AirPods Pro to Apple
Of course, there’s always the slim possibility that your AirPods Pro or AirPods Pro case is actually defective.
If nothing else works and the problem persists, we recommend that you contact Apple Support. They’ll be able to help you repair or replace your headphones.
We hope that you were able to fix the issue on your new AirPods Pro. Please let us know in the comments below if you have any questions or concerns.
Mike is a freelance journalist from San Diego, California.
While he primarily covers Apple and consumer technology, he has past experience writing about public safety, local government, and education for a variety of publications.
He’s worn quite a few hats in the journalism field, including writer, editor, and news designer.
Two pairs of Apple airpods with the charging case and the second one same problem. The left airpod stopped working.
They’ve never given me a brand new case as a set. I was sent 2 left airpods from Apple and they gave me a new charging case and right airpod at the store. I would feel better knowing I had a new accessory altogether.
Not a bunch of parts From different airpods. Had them under a month and I’ve been dealing with this.
I’ve had mine since Xmas although I think my wife bought them in store mid December.
All was fine to start with but today the left one has stopped working. I use the ANC on its own without music at work as there’s often background noise and it just dials it’s right down. However today when I popped in the left pod and tried to activate ANC, it asked me to put the other one in, saying that it only works with both. Then I checked and pressing the button on the left pod I heard a beep but still no ANC. I selected some music to play and to my suprise only music played out of the rhs pod. Even the ear bud fit test didn’t work. Seemed like it didn’t recognise the pod was in my ear.
Many resets later, including both phone network and AirPods pro and nothing. Half an hour on the phone to Apple and finally agreed to send me a replacement.
Now looks like I’m getting just the two replacement pods, not the case. Will advise if this is a hardware fault when I try the new pair.
Any other tips or tricks to try let me know!
I’m also having issues, specifically with the left but sometimes also with the right.
Right now they were in the case over 24 hours so they should be charged, but when I went to use them it said the left had 0% and the right 33%.
After fiddling with it and opening and closing the case, it said the left had 25% and the right 3%.
I restarted my phone and reset the air pods and now they’re showing 44% and 26%, and when I closed the case it started acting all glitchy on my phone, popping up and out like I was toying with the case. And finally, I have the red exclamation point on the right one now.
Max says
Unfortunately, it didn’t work for me. Any other thoughts? Any readers got tips?
Paw Sid says
I went to the Apple store with the first set of AirPods Pro and they replaced it free of charge.
I opened the new one right in the store after unboxing it. I saw a similar problem.
After reading this post, “Resetting Network Setting” is the only option that finally worked!
Melissa says
Nothing will fix mine.
Two pairs of Apple airpods with the charging case and the second one same problem. The left airpod stopped working.
They’ve never given me a brand new case as a set. I was sent 2 left airpods from Apple and they gave me a new charging case and right airpod at the store. I would feel better knowing I had a new accessory altogether.
Not a bunch of parts From different airpods. Had them under a month and I’ve been dealing with this.
Simon says
I’ve had mine since Xmas although I think my wife bought them in store mid December.
All was fine to start with but today the left one has stopped working. I use the ANC on its own without music at work as there’s often background noise and it just dials it’s right down. However today when I popped in the left pod and tried to activate ANC, it asked me to put the other one in, saying that it only works with both. Then I checked and pressing the button on the left pod I heard a beep but still no ANC. I selected some music to play and to my suprise only music played out of the rhs pod. Even the ear bud fit test didn’t work. Seemed like it didn’t recognise the pod was in my ear.
Many resets later, including both phone network and AirPods pro and nothing. Half an hour on the phone to Apple and finally agreed to send me a replacement.
Now looks like I’m getting just the two replacement pods, not the case. Will advise if this is a hardware fault when I try the new pair.
Any other tips or tricks to try let me know!
Teri says
I’m also having issues, specifically with the left but sometimes also with the right.
Right now they were in the case over 24 hours so they should be charged, but when I went to use them it said the left had 0% and the right 33%.
After fiddling with it and opening and closing the case, it said the left had 25% and the right 3%.
I restarted my phone and reset the air pods and now they’re showing 44% and 26%, and when I closed the case it started acting all glitchy on my phone, popping up and out like I was toying with the case. And finally, I have the red exclamation point on the right one now.